Reports of chikungunya virus are increasing worldwide. The mosquito that transmits this virus (Aedes spp.) also transmits the dengue virus, which is related to increased reports of chikungunya/dengue co-infections. The innate immune system is an important component of the response to chikungunya and dengue infections, and these viruses replicate in immune cells (particularly monocytes). Yet, not much is known regarding the biochemical or molecular dynamics of these co-infections or the effects on those infected.

ABO-incompatible liver transplantation has an elevated risk of humoral (antibody mediated) rejection. The age at transplantation and the level of anti-donor blood group antibodies are risk factors for transplant rejection. There are cases in which there is no humoral response to ABO blood group antigens with incompatible liver transplantation. To determine the possible mechanism of this phenomenon, researchers examined the capability of anti-donor ABO antibody production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with incompatible liver transplants.

Glioblastomas are highly malignant brain tumors that can be resistant to conventional treatment. Despite the various therapies available, treatment success is very low. One of the main reasons for poor survival rates is the difficulty in getting anti-cancer drugs through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, a means to expose brain tumors to effective concentrations without adverse effects to the patient are needed.

There is an ever increasing desire to understand the medicinal properties of marijuana. The components of marijuana are numerous; however, the more widely known class of compounds with medicinal activity are cannabinoids. Scientists continue to search for the mechanisms of these cannabinoids in various diseases including cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are used for many biomedical endeavors including therapeutic efforts, clinical trials, and basic research. In the therapeutic arena, they are valuable tools in the development of immunotherapy approaches. They also serve to support diagnostic medicine when used to identify biomarkers of disease.